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Jim France and Don Panoz will receive the Bob Russo Heritage Award in recognition of their long-term support of sports car racing in North America and their effort to bring about the landmark merger of GRAND-AM Road Racing and the American Le Mans Series.

Two motorsports icons instrumental in the preservation and expansion of road racing in North America will be honored during the 26th Annual Motorsports Hall of Fame of America’s Induction Ceremony on August 6 at The Fillmore Detroit.

Jim France (left) and Don Panoz (right) will receive the Bob Russo Heritage Award in recognition of their long-term support of sports car racing in North America and their effort to bring about the landmark merger of GRAND-AM Road Racing and the American Le Mans Series. On September 5, 2012, it was announced the two series would merge to form the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship for the 2014 season with the unified series sanctioned by the International Motor Sports Association.

The award, named in honor of the long-time motorsports journalist and historian, is presented at the recommendation of the MSHFA Board of Directors in recognition of the recipient’s contributions to motorsports throughout their career.

“To recognize two sports car racing icons with the Bob Russo Heritage Award is a tremendous honor,” said Ron Watson, president of the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America. “Their names are synonymous with sports car racing in North America. Through GRAND-AM and the American Le Mans Series they established a firm foundation and have assured the future with the merger into the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship.”